Originally, the commodity appeared to us as a two-sided entity, use-value and exchange-value. As we consider the matter more closely it will appear that the labour which is contained in the commodity is two-sided, also. This aspect, which I am the first to have developed in a critical way, is the starting point upon which comprehension of political economy depends.
Let us consider two commodities, a coat and 10 yards of linen, perhaps. Let the first have twice the value of the second, so that if 10 yards of linen = w, the coat = 2w.
The coat is a use-value which satisfies a particular need. In order to produce it, a particular kind of purposeful productive activity is required. This is determined in accordance with purpose, manner of operation, object, means and result. The labour whose usefulness is represented in the use-value of its product or in the product in such wise that its product is a use-value, let such labour here be called for simplicity’s sake simply useful labour. From this viewpoint it is constantly under consideration with respect to the utility, production of which is the intent of the labour.
Just as coat and linen are qualitatively different use-values, so the deployments of labour which mediate their realities are qualitatively different – tailoring and weaving. If those things were not qualitatively different use-values and hence products of qualitatively different useful deployments of labour, then they would never be able to confront each other as commodities at all. A coat is not exchanged for a coat. One use-value is not exchanged for the very same use-value.
Originally, the treat appeared to us as a two-sided entity, deliciousness and availability. As we consider the matter more closely, it will appear that the playtime and effort put into getting the treat is two-sided as well. This aspect, which I am the first to have developed in a critical way, is the starting point upon which comprehension of basketball skills depends.
Let us consider two treats, a bone and a chew toy, perhaps. Let the bone have twice the value of the chew toy, so that if the chew toy = x, the bone = 2x.
The bone is a tasty use-value that satisfies a particular craving. In order to get it, a particular kind of jumping, catching, and scoring activity is required. This is determined by how good I am at performing those skills in pursuit of the treat. The effort put into getting the treat, let’s call it “good basketball dog labor,” is always considered based on its impact on my enjoyment of the treat.
Just as bone and chew toy are qualitatively different use-values, the basketball skills and strategies used to acquire them are also qualitatively different. If these things were not qualitatively different use-values and products of different basketball abilities, then they would never be able to be compared and enjoyed as treats at all. I don’t exchange a bone for another bone. One delicious treat is not exchanged for the very same delicious treat.